In a landmark move for Indian democracy, Bihar has become the first state in the country to enable voting through a mobile app, the State Election Commissioner confirmed. The historic initiative was rolled out during the recent municipal and nagar panchayat elections held across the state.
The specially developed e-SECBHR mobile app, available for Android devices, allowed eligible voters—including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, critically ill individuals, migrant workers, and even NRIs in countries like Dubai and Qatar—to cast their votes securely from remote locations.
State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad hailed the development as a major stride toward inclusive and tech-enabled electoral participation. “This is a proud moment for Bihar and for Indian democracy. We are the first to embrace digital voting on this scale, ensuring no voter is left behind,” he said.
The mobile voting system employs advanced features like facial recognition, voter ID verification, and blockchain encryption to ensure maximum security and transparency. Votes remain encrypted until counting day, preserving voter anonymity and the integrity of the election process.
The pilot was successfully implemented in six municipal councils across 26 districts, including Patna, Buxar, and East Champaran. The app saw a 69% voter turnout among eligible mobile voters, demonstrating strong trust in the system and its ease of use.
Experts believe this innovation could revolutionize the electoral process across India, especially by making voting more accessible to marginalized and mobile populations.
With counting scheduled for June 30, the Bihar Election Commission will evaluate the pilot’s success to explore future expansion—including possible implementation in state assembly and Lok Sabha elections. This bold step positions Bihar as a trailblazer in digital democracy, setting an example for the rest of the nation.
